This ciabatta recipe results in fluffy bread that is very flavorful due to a fermentation period. This bread is incredibly versatile as you can eat it on its own dipped in olive oil and balsamic, as a base for sandwiches, or even for homemade burgers as a sturdier alternative to a traditional hamburger bun.
To make this ciabatta recipe, you begin by making a dough with water, yeast, salt, and flour before allowing it to ferment for an entire day and night. Then, the dough goes through some folds before being shaped into ciabatta buns, set aside to rise, and baked in the oven. Once you see how easy it is to make homemade ciabatta, you will want to make it again and again!
What is Ciabatta Bread?
Ciabatta is a type of Italian bread that was created in the 1980s as something similar to the French baguette. Its name is the Italian word for “slipper” as its flatter shape looks similar to a slipper. It is delicious for burgers or sandwiches, or just to eat on its own.
Pro Tips
- Use yeast that is still fresh for this recipe.
- Don’t skip the fermentation time as that is essential for the bread having the larger holes and fluffy texture. It is also important for developing the flavor of the bread.
- When working with the dough, you can dust your work surface and hands with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Spray water in the oven to help the buns form a nice crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Ciabatta Different From Other Bread?
Ciabatta is a little different from other types of bread as it has a flatter appearance and more of an open crumb due to the high moisture content and fermentation period.
Is Ciabatta Healthier Than Bread?
Ciabatta is often considered a healthier type of bread as it only includes four ingredients and no preservatives. Additionally, it goes through a lengthy fermentation process which makes it easier to digest.
What Pairs Well With Ciabatta Bread?
Ciabatta is wonderful for dipping into a plate of good-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar or for spreading with butter. You could also use it to make Italian style paninis with cold cuts, cheese, pesto, tomatoes, and arugula. It is also great for dipping into homemade hearty soups.
How to Store Ciabatta Bread
The ciabatta bread can be stored in an airtight bag or container at room temperature to keep it fresh, and is best to eat within 1 or 2 days of making it. However, you could also freeze it for up to 3 months for longer storage if preferred.
Ingredients
How to Make Homemade Ciabatta Bread
In a bowl, stir the water with the yeast and salt until combined. Add the flour and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover it with plastic wrap and set it aside at room temperature for 2 hours. Then, place it in the fridge for 24 hours.
In a bowl, stir the water with the yeast and salt until combined. Add the flour and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover it with plastic wrap and set it aside at room temperature for 2 hours. Then, place it in the fridge for 24 hours.
Remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Fold the dough as shown in the video. Repeat this process 4 times at 30-minute intervals.
Remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Fold the dough as shown in the video. Repeat this process 4 times at 30-minute intervals.
Shape the dough into a rectangle on a sheet of parchment paper and cut it into 6 pieces. Allow the buns to rise for 1 hour. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 430 F (220 C). Slide the ciabatta with the parchment paper onto the pizza stone or baking sheet, spritz the oven with water, and bake them for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350 F (180 C) and continue baking them for another 5 to 8 minutes.
Shape the dough into a rectangle on a sheet of parchment paper and cut it into 6 pieces. Allow the buns to rise for 1 hour. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 430 F (220 C). Slide the ciabatta with the parchment paper onto the pizza stone or baking sheet, spritz the oven with water, and bake them for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350 F (180 C) and continue baking them for another 5 to 8 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
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